Vitamin B9

The terms vitamin B9, Folic acid and Folate are often used interchangeably. While folates are found in foods as well as in metabolically active forms in the human body (1), folic acid, the more stable form, occurs rarely in nature but is the form most often used in vitamin supplements and fortified foods. Folate supports healthy fetal development and pregnancy, reduces the risk of cancer, prevents heart disease, acts as an antioxidant, enhances brain function, aids in red blood cell production, is a natural antidepressant, prevents hearing and vision loss. Folate is also a good anti-aging, it promotes fertility, treats arsenic poisoning, ameliorates Autism Spectrum disorders, promotes a healthy immune system, attenuates liver damage and promotes bone strength. The RDA of folic acid is 400 mcg. This vitamin’s deficiency has been linked to birth defects, low birth weight, pregnancy loss, depression, memory loss, and cervical dysplasia. Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is dangerous when taken in high dosages. It can cause damage to your central nervous system, the American Pregnancy Association warns. This may manifest as movement disorders, paralysis, pain or numbness.